A new study from Japan confirms
green tea’s reputation as a longevity tonic. Researchers followed a large group of people ages 65-84 for about six years. They compared those drinking seven or more cups of green tea a day to those drinking less than one cup a day. Those drinking the most green tea had about a 55% reduced risk of dying during that time, from any cause. The biggest reductions were in colon cancer and heart disease. (Suzuki E, et al.
Ann Epidemiol. 2009 Oct;19(10):732-9.)
Green tea contains lots of things that can provide health benefits. It has polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can protect against cancer in a number of ways, including protecting DNA from free radical damage, causing cell cycle arrest or programmed cell death, and preventing new blood vessel growth in tumors.
Other benefits of green tea include:
- Protection from brain damage that can lead to Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s disease
- Increased bone mineral density and reduced risk for osteoporosis
- Reduced risk for bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer and certain types of leukemia, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Reduced risk for stroke
- Reduced risk for developing type 2 diabetes, especially in women
- Increased resting energy expenditure and fat metabolism, which can lead to weight loss
- Lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol
- Reduction in size of lesions in people with oral leukoplakia, a potentially precancerous condition
- A 46% reduction in the risk of developing ovarian cancer
- Activity against human papilloma virus (HPV)-related cervical dysplasia and genital and perianal warts
- Protection from UVA and UVB sunburn and skin damage
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: If you drink green tea, make sure you use fresh, organic green tea for optimal benefits. If you use an extract, it should be standardized to contain a high concentration of active ingredients.
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